To get in touch

Changing Villages Consortium on Rural Technology D-320, Laxmi Nagar New Delhi 110 092 Hima-Paryavaran G B Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development Kosi, Almora Uttar Pradesh 263 643 Honey Bee Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad Vastrapura 380 015 Phone: 407241 The SASEANEE Circular Centre for Environment Education Thaltej Tekra Ahmedabad 380 054 Phone: 442642 UNDP in India United Nations Development Programme 55 Lodi Estate New Delhi 110 003

Spreading the good word.

RESPONDING to the lack of awareness on environmental and developmental issues in the country, some non-governmental organisations are trying to spread information in these areas on two fronts. The first is by providing news to agencies and individuals involved in environment-related issues, which is essentially an updating programme. The second involves putting the environmental messages across to people who may not be convinced by them. In this case, the emphasis is more on promoting eco-friendly habits and lifestyles.

Bringing technology to women

TECHNOLOGY is essential for improved living and working conditions. However, women -- especially those in rural areas -- are often denied access to technology because of discrimination and lack of adequate information. For instance, rural women spend many hours away from home collecting firewood. If the women were provided energy sources such as solar power and biogas and taught how to use them, they could use the time saved for other purposes. br>

Realising the virtues of organic farming

THE FUNDAMENTAL theme of organic farming or natural farming is its ecological approach: It makes maximum possible use of organic wastes, originating from the farm, to keep up soil fertility.

Caring for the handicapped

The VERY Special Arts (VSA) programme uses art to help children with various disabilities, especially those who are mentally handicapped. Art is used for education, emotional, social and economic rehabilitation and as a vocation. Says VSA's Moyna Singh, "The idea is to use art as a tool of rehabilitation." Hypersensitive children, for instance, learn to control their emotions through music.

Leading the battle against the bottle

RECENT newspaper reports have illuminated a very different facet of alcoholism. Agitations spearheaded by women against their alcoholic husbands, which have quite frequently, successfully got them out of their addiction, are making headlines in many states. And, a number of organisations are helping the women in their bold endeavour.

Private sector gives urban rubbish a new look

GOVERNMENT involvement in urban waste management in India is limited and includes sharing the subsidy component for low cost sanitation for the economically weaker sections, imposing a 20 per cent duty on import of garbage and setting up of water supply and sewerage boards. This woefully inadequate effort is supplemented by the private sector, which recycles a major portion of the wastes generated in cities and towns.

Back to the breast

BREAST milk is the most nutritious and wholesome food for an infant because it contains proteins, minerals and vitamins in the required proportion, as well as the anti-microbial constituents, which protect the baby against diarrhoeal diseases. Unfortunately, the last 40 years have seen a shift from brest-feeding to using substitutes such as powdered milk.

Unravelling science for the lay person

HUNDREDS of small voluntary organisations across the country have dedicated themselves to simplifying the mysteries of science for amateurs and giving them hands-on experience in the subject. NCSTC-Network, a voluntary organisation set up in 1991, has linked 50 such people's science organisations and some government bodies, including the computer section at Doordarshan and a few state science and technology councils.

Waking up to the horrors of child labour

CHILDREN comprise six per cent of India's total organised work force; they also contribute an average 23 per cent of a household's domestic savings. Yet, exploitation of children as a social problem has only recently begun to agitate the international conscience. Germany and USA have now refused to import items, such as Indian carpets, which are made by a below-age work force.